The key to solving these problems is to notice patterns or properties. Encouraging students to organise their work in a systematic way will allow them to notice what might not otherwise be obvious.
problem
Summing consecutive numbers
Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
15 = 7 + 8 and 10 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4. Can you say which numbers can be expressed as the sum of two or more consecutive integers?
problem
1 step 2 step
Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
Liam's house has a staircase with 12 steps. He can go down the steps one at a time or two at time. In how many different ways can Liam go down the 12 steps?
problem
Pick's theorem
Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
Polygons drawn on square dotty paper have dots on their perimeter (p) and often internal (i) ones as well. Find a relationship between p, i and the area of the polygons.
problem
What's possible?
Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
Many numbers can be expressed as the difference of two perfect squares. What do you notice about the numbers you CANNOT make?